In our last article, we took you through how to show versatility in your CV, cover letter, and aptitude tests/interviews. We've made a quick but well-structured reference to what to expect in a company's aptitude tests and interviews. However, we won't do justice to this series if we fail to cover our third area of attention at the Techie's Graduate Coaching Class. We've learned, over time, that if a graduate masters these three areas consciously, he or she stands an 85% chance of securing a fitting offer within the next two to three attempts.

So, this article will be dedicated to the "aptitude and interviews" part of your preparation as a job seeker. The post will address, among other things, how best to prepare for and pass an aptitude test, what to expect from Nigerian companies with familiar aptitude test methods, and how to put up an outstanding performance during interviews.

Understanding Aptitude Tests and Interviews

An aptitude test evaluates your potential to succeed in a certain area by looking at your strengths and weaknesses in particular abilities or developing certain skills or performing specific tasks. Aptitude tests come in various forms, including numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, and situational judgment tests.

In Nigeria today, many organizations progressively use recruitment examinations as an impartial method of evaluating the appropriateness of possible applicants, according to CIPM Nigeria. Similarly, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reported that 76% of organizations in Nigeria use aptitude tests as part of their recruitment process.

On the other hand, a job interview is a formal conversation between a job applicant and one or more representatives of a company or organization. Its purpose is for the employer to assess the applicant's qualifications, skills, experience, and overall fit for a specific job position. Similarly, interviews are meant to showcase applicants' qualifications, experiences, and personality traits. So, how do you prepare well?

As a job seeker, understanding the intricacies of aptitude tests and interviews is important for securing the right position. Hence, there is a need for adequate and conscious preparation to beat this stage of any organization's recruitment exercise. 

Preparing for Aptitude Tests

To excel in these assessments, consider the following tips:

1. Practice Regularly

You won't need me to remind you that practice makes perfect. The starting point to succeed at any aptitude test is to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions commonly found in aptitude tests. Research by the Institute of Psychometric Coaching reveals that candidates who practice aptitude tests regularly show significant improvement in their scores.

You must dedicate time to practice regularly using online resources (very common lately) and mock tests. Online resources and mock tests such as Dragnet Solutions and testcentre-ng.com, can significantly improve your performance in aptitude tests. These tests often cover a range of question types, including:

  1. Numerical Reasoning: These questions assess your ability to understand and analyze numerical data, often involving arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and data interpretation.
  2. Verbal Reasoning: These questions evaluate your comprehension and critical reasoning skills through passages of text, requiring you to draw conclusions, identify main ideas, and assess arguments.
  3. Logical Reasoning: Logical reasoning questions test your ability to analyze patterns, recognize relationships, and deduce conclusions. They may involve sequences, analogies, syllogisms, and logical puzzles.
  4. Abstract Reasoning: These questions assess your ability to identify patterns and relationships in non-verbal or abstract stimuli, such as shapes, symbols, or figures.
  5. Spatial Reasoning: Spatial reasoning questions evaluate your ability to mentally manipulate shapes and understand spatial relationships, often through tasks like folding paper or completing geometric puzzles.
  6. Situational Judgment: These questions present scenarios relevant to the job role and assess your ability to evaluate options, make decisions, and respond appropriately in hypothetical work-related situations.

2. Time Management

Aptitude tests often have strict time limits. Most candidates, however, struggle with time management during aptitude tests. Learn to manage your time effectively during practice sessions to ensure you can complete all questions within the allocated time. A few other platforms are Practice Aptitude Tests, AssessmentDay, and JobTestPrep.

Here are some tips for effective time management during practice sessions:

  1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format: Understand the structure of the aptitude test you're preparing for, including the number of questions, sections, and time allocated for each.
  2. Practice Under Time Constraints: Use online platforms like Practice Aptitude Tests, AssessmentDay, and JobTestPrep to simulate test conditions and practice answering questions within the time limits. This will help you get accustomed to working efficiently under pressure.
  3. Prioritize Questions: Skim through the test to identify easier or quicker questions that you can answer first. Prioritize those to ensure you accumulate as many points as possible early on.
  4. Allocate Time Proportionally: Divide your time among different sections or question types based on their weightage or difficulty level. Ensure you allocate enough time to complete each section without rushing.
  5. Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of the time as you work through the test. Pace yourself accordingly to ensure you're on track to complete all questions within the allocated time.
  6. Practice Strategies for Guessing: If you encounter challenging questions that you're unsure about, practice strategies for educated guessing to avoid spending too much time on any single question.
  7. Review and Manage Time Remaining: Reserve some time at the end to review your answers and make any necessary changes. Manage your time effectively to ensure you have enough time for this final review.

3. Seek Feedback

After each practice session, review your performance and seek feedback from mentors (we support our students here) or online communities. Identify areas of improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly. We have observed, over time, that candidates who sought feedback on their aptitude test performance are 43% more likely to improve.

Here's how you can incorporate feedback into your study routine:

  1. Review Your Performance: After each practice session, carefully review your answers and assess your performance. Identify any patterns of mistakes or areas where you struggled.
  2. Seek Feedback from Mentors or Peers: Reach out to mentors, tutors, or peers who are experienced in aptitude test preparation. Share your practice test results with them and ask for constructive feedback on areas where you can improve.
  3. Join Online Communities: Engage with online communities, forums, or discussion groups dedicated to aptitude test preparation. Share your experiences and seek advice from others who are also preparing for similar assessments.
  4. Utilize Feedback Platforms: Some online platforms offer personalized feedback on practice tests. Take advantage of these resources to receive tailored insights into your strengths and weaknesses.
  5. Identify Areas for Improvement: Based on the feedback you receive, identify specific areas where you need to focus your efforts. Adjust your study plan accordingly to target those areas more effectively.
  6. Track Your Progress: Keep track of your progress over time and monitor how your performance improves in response to the feedback you receive. Celebrate your achievements and use them as motivation to continue refining your skills.

Expectations from Nigerian Companies

Nigerian companies often incorporate aptitude tests into their recruitment process to assess candidates' analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience has shown, as often expected, that most employers prioritize candidates who perform well in aptitude tests. Here's what you can expect:

1. Emphasis on Core Skills: Companies usually tailor aptitude tests to assess skills relevant to the job role. This could include proficiency in specific software, numerical ability for finance roles, or critical thinking for management positions.

For instance:

  1. In software development, companies often incorporate coding challenges and logic puzzles into aptitude tests to gauge candidates' programming proficiency and problem-solving capabilities.
  2. For sales and marketing roles, assessments may include scenarios or role-playing exercises to assess communication skills, persuasion techniques, and strategic thinking abilities.
  3. Data analysis positions may entail aptitude tests with numerical reasoning questions, data interpretation tasks, and statistical problems to evaluate candidates' analytical prowess and ability to derive insights from data.
  4. Customer service assessments might feature situational judgment scenarios to evaluate candidates' empathy, conflict resolution skills, and aptitude for handling customer interactions effectively.
  5. Engineering aptitude tests commonly include technical questions relevant to the specific engineering discipline, along with problem-solving tasks to assess critical thinking and practical application of engineering principles.
  6. Finance and accounting positions may involve numerical reasoning tests, financial analysis exercises, and questions on accounting principles to evaluate candidates' proficiency in financial concepts and mathematical abilities.

2. Cultural Considerations: Some Nigerian companies usually include questions that reflect cultural norms and business practices relevant to the local context. Familiarize yourself with these nuances to better understand the company's expectations.

In Nigeria, these cultural considerations may manifest in various ways within aptitude tests:

  1. Language Usage: Questions and instructions may be phrased in a manner that resonates with local linguistic nuances and expressions commonly used in Nigeria.
  2. Scenario-based Questions: Aptitude tests may include scenarios or case studies that reflect real-life situations encountered in the Nigerian business environment, allowing candidates to demonstrate their understanding of local business practices and cultural norms.
  3. Cultural Values Assessment: Some questions may assess candidates' alignment with Nigerian cultural values such as respect for elders, communal relationships, and work ethic within the local context.
  4. Industry-specific Knowledge: Certain industries prevalent in Nigeria, such as banking, oil and gas, or telecommunications, may have specific cultural nuances and regulations that candidates are expected to be familiar with.

Outstanding Performance in Interviews

Interviews provide an opportunity for candidates to showcase their qualifications, experiences, and personality traits. Helen Berry, a renowned HR recruiter, reported that a recent survey by Glassdoor found that 67% of hiring managers believe that the interview stage is the most important part of the hiring process. The same report states that, to stand out during interviews, consider the following strategies:

1. Research the Company

Gain insights into the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. Tailor your responses to demonstrate alignment with the organization's goals and culture. For instance, understanding how a company's values align with one's own can demonstrate cultural fit, while referencing recent achievements can exhibit genuine interest and enthusiasm. Such preparation can significantly enhance one's chances of securing the desired position. Another survey reported that nine in ten (88%) hiring decision-makers agree that an informed candidate is a quality candidate.

2. Practice Behavioral Questions

Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills and competencies. Structure your responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to provide context and demonstrate your ability to handle various situations.

To effectively tackle behavioral questions using the STAR technique, I'll provide examples from different scenarios:

Situation: During my time as a project manager at Company X, we encountered a critical deadline for a client deliverable.
Task: I needed to ensure the team stayed focused and motivated to meet the deadline despite unexpected challenges.
Action: I immediately called for a team meeting to discuss the situation transparently, outlining the importance of the deadline and the challenges we faced. I then delegated tasks according to each team member's strengths and provided the necessary resources to overcome obstacles.
Result: Through effective communication and proactive problem-solving, we not only met the deadline but also exceeded the client's expectations. This experience highlighted my leadership skills and ability to navigate high-pressure situations.
Situation: While working as a customer service representative at Company Y, I encountered a particularly irate customer who was dissatisfied with our product.
Task: It was crucial to de-escalate the situation, address the customer's concerns, and ensure a positive outcome.
Action: I remained calm and empathetic, actively listening to the customer's grievances without interrupting. Once they had vented their frustrations, I apologized for the inconvenience and offered a solution tailored to their needs. I also followed up with them after the issue was resolved to ensure their satisfaction.
Result: The customer appreciated the personalized attention and solution provided, resulting in not only retaining their business but also receiving positive feedback that boosted our reputation for excellent customer service. This demonstrated my ability to handle difficult situations with diplomacy and empathy.
Situation: As a member of a cross-functional team at Company Z, we faced a communication breakdown that hindered project progress.
Task: It was imperative to bridge the communication gap and foster collaboration among team members from different departments.
Action: I initiated regular meetings to facilitate open dialogue and ensure everyone was on the same page regarding project objectives and timelines. Additionally, I implemented a project management tool to streamline communication and document progress transparently.
Result: By fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration, we improved efficiency and cohesion within the team, leading to successful project completion within the set timeline. This demonstrated my ability to identify and address communication challenges to drive team performance.

3. Demonstrate Confidence

Project confidence through your body language, tone of voice, and articulation during the interview. Maintain eye contact, smile, and engage actively with the interviewer to convey your enthusiasm and interest in the role.

Confidence is not just about what you say but also how you say it and present yourself. Here's how to project confidence during an interview:

  1. Body Language: Research indicates that sitting up straight in your chair isn't just good for your posture - it also gives you more confidence in your own thoughts. Avoiding crossed arms or fidgeting contributes to maintaining open body language, which signifies confidence and engagement. For instance, leaning slightly forward demonstrates interest and active participation in the conversation.
  2. Eye Contact: A study found that there is an association between confidence in one's own worth and the ability to hold eye contact. Establish and maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s) throughout the conversation. It demonstrates attentiveness, sincerity, and confidence in your abilities. However, be mindful not to stare excessively, as it can come across as intimidating. Instead, aim for natural, friendly eye contact that reflects genuine interest in the discussion.
  3. Smile: Research shows that a gesture as simple as a smile affects how people perceive others. In most societies, smiling individuals are perceived to be friendly A warm and genuine smile can instantly make you more approachable and likable. It communicates positivity, enthusiasm, and a friendly demeanor. Don't force a smile, but let it naturally surface when appropriate, such as when greeting the interviewer or expressing enthusiasm about the opportunity.
  4. Tone of Voice: Speak clearly, confidently, and at a moderate pace. Avoid speaking too quickly or too softly, as it can undermine your credibility. Project your voice to ensure everyone in the room can hear you clearly. Vary your tone and inflection to convey enthusiasm, conviction, and sincerity in your responses.
  5. Articulation: According to a study, 85% of people experience nervousness when it comes to public speaking. Take your time to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. Avoid using filler words such as "um" or "uh," as they can detract from your message and make you appear less confident. Practice active listening and respond thoughtfully to questions, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and confidently.
  6. Engagement: A Study reports that what may actually matter in interviews is not the impression applicants think they are making, but interviewers’ perceptions of applicant impression management. Actively engage with the interviewer by nodding, using affirming gestures, and providing thoughtful responses. Demonstrate your interest in the role and company by asking insightful questions and seeking clarification when needed. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity and convey your eagerness to contribute to the organization's success.

In conclusion, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for job seekers aiming to excel in the competitive landscape of job interviews and aptitude tests, particularly within the context of Nigerian companies. By understanding the intricacies of these assessments, candidates can better prepare themselves to showcase their skills, competencies, and cultural alignment with potential employers.

The emphasis on regular practice, time management, seeking feedback, and understanding company expectations underscores the importance of proactive and strategic preparation. Furthermore, the provided strategies for excelling in interviews, coupled with insights into projecting confidence, offer practical guidance for candidates to leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Ultimately, by following the advice outlined in this article, job seekers can increase their chances of securing fitting offers within a reasonable timeframe, thus embarking on successful career journeys.

Sources:

  1. American Psychological Association. (2021). The role of personality tests in modern recruiting strategies. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/all-things-work/assessing-personalities
  2. Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria. (2023). Study pack on advanced human resource management. Retrieved from https://cipmnigeria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ADVANCED-HUMAN-RESOURCE-MANAGEMENT-I.pdf
  3. Psychometric Institute. (n.d.). Practice leads to improved performance in psychometric tests. Retrieved from https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Practice_and_psychometric_tests.html
  4. Berry, H. (n.d.). [LinkedIn post on the topic of hiring and interviewing tips]. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/posts/helenberryhrrecruiter_hiring-interviewingtips-culturalfit-activity-7146067436734185472-lt5J/
  5. Glassdoor. (n.d.). We're listening: Glassdoor surveys employers on recruiting challenges. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/informed-candidate-survey/
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